Now the Mi-28 is not being purchased by Iraq what alternative makes sense.
Really there are four choices with two being the most certain:
AugustaWestland A129 Mangusta
Denel Rooivalk
Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache
Bell AH-1Z Viper
Looking at the list in my opinion the Mangusta is counted out due to it being sold to Turkey. The Denel Rooivalk would be counted out as it is just not successful.
That leaves Apache and Viper. Certainly Apache would be a good choice but I wonder of the Viper not be a better cheaper fit. Nevertheless the have the advantage of being available as an FMS contract.
Any other ideas?
By: ijozic - 7th April 2017 at 08:18
The type of helicopter was Bell 407.
Probably hit by another FN-6 and those small helicopters hardly stand a chance to survive a close hit.
As I read, the IA-407’s are equipped with MAWS supposedly which also can dispense flares automatically when a missile is detected. The video starts late so we don’t see the actual engagement to see if there were any flares dropped.
By: TomcatViP - 7th April 2017 at 00:22
The shootdown.
Sad sight
Given that most of the OP call for slightly below medium alt flight, Iraki personels should be allowed to wear parachutes. On of them could have bailed out here as the 407 despite being in fire seems to autorotate during enough time (composites burning).
By: MSphere - 6th April 2017 at 22:55
Arbalet is a FCR made by Fasotron NIIR of Ka-52. FCR for Mi-28N is N025 by GRPZ.
You are, of course, correct. Don’t know how it could have escaped me that these two helos did not use identical radars..
By: TR1 - 6th April 2017 at 20:45
The shootdown.
By: Scar - 6th April 2017 at 19:46
Iraqis already have MMW FCR, the Arbalet on the Mi-28NEs..
Arbalet is a FCR made by Fasotron NIIR of Ka-52. FCR for Mi-28N is N025 by GRPZ.
By: Tango III - 6th April 2017 at 17:36
The type of helicopter was Bell 407.
By: sheytanelkebir - 5th April 2017 at 19:20
IA-407s armed with APKWS fighting tag team with Mi-28Ne
we can see one of the APKWS failed to explode. but the accuracy was stunning.
By: sheytanelkebir - 25th December 2016 at 22:08
iraqi IA-407 helicopters playing around with APKWS guided rockets
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November 10, 2012 at 1:27 pm